Physical data and biological data for algae, aquatic invertebrates, and fish from selected reaches on the Carson and Truckee rivers, Nevada and California, 1993-97

This report, a product of the National Water-
Quality Assessment Program, is a compilation of
physical data and biological data for algae, aquatic
invertebrates, and fish collected in the Carson and
Truckee River Basins, Nevada and California.
Most of the data were collected between 1993 and
1996 at selected reaches on the Carson and Truckee
Rivers. Algae and aquatic invertebrate samples
were collected from cobble riffles, submerged
woody-snag habitats, and from depositional areas
such as pools. Between 1993 and 1996, fish and
crayfish were collected from all wadeable habitats
at each of seven basic-fixed sites using either electroshocking
methods or seining. Additional fish
and crayfish were collected at one site on the Truckee
River in 1997. Fish were identified to species,
measured for total and standard length, checked
for anomalies, and weighed at the collection site.
Fish were returned to the stream after measurements
were taken. Measurements of water depth,
stream velocity, determinations of substrate type
and substrate embeddedness were made at each
sampling site. Algae and aquatic invertebrate samples
were sent to the U.S. Geological Survey
National Water-Quality Laboratory for identification
and enumeration.
A total of 103 semi-quantitative and 55
qualitative algae samples were collected at 20
river reaches on the Carson and Truckee Rivers
between 1993 and 1996. These samples represent
algae in cobble riffles, on submerged woody
snags, and on sediment surfaces in depositional
areas. In those 158 samples, 514 algal species,
varieties, or forms were identified. Of the 8 algal
phyla represented, the diatoms (Phylum Bacillariophyta)
were the most abundant with 351 species,
varieties, or forms. The green algae (Phylum Chlorophyta)
were next in abundance with 108 species,
varieties, or forms followed by the blue-green
algae (Phylum Cyanophyta) with 41 species, varieties,
or forms.
A total of 49 semi-quantitative aquatic
invertebrate samples were collected at 27 river
reaches on the Carson and Truckee Rivers between
1993 and 1996. These samples represent invertebrates
in cobble riffles and on submerged woody
snags. In those 49 samples, members of 6 phyla
were identified. Roundworms were identified only
to phylum (Nematoda) and free-living flatworms
and snails were identified only to class (Turbellaria
and Gastroda). Organisms were identified as
belonging to 19 invertebrate orders. Most of the
invertebrates that could be identified to genus or
species belonged in the orders Ephemeroptera,
Plecoptera, and Trichoptera of the arthropod class
Insecta.
Fish and crayfish populations in the Carson
and Truckee Rivers were sampled 29 times
between 1993 and 1997. These collections
resulted in the identification of 18 fish species and
one endemic crayfish species. Twelve of the 18
fish species identified are not native to the Carson
and Truckee River Basins.